Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti stated that Serbia now understands better than ever that Kosovo is a state, despite continuing to refuse formal recognition.
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Kurti said that Russia poses a threat to the region through Serbia.
“Out of four neighboring countries, three recognize us. Only Serbia does not, and it does not appear likely to do so anytime soon. However, I believe they understand better than ever before that we are a state. Reality has changed significantly,” Kurti said.
He added that what must change is Serbia’s ambition of reversing Kosovo’s independence, as well as what he described as imperial ambitions linked to Russia.
“Their dream of returning must be extinguished, just as the dream of the Russian Empire — now the Russian Federation — must fade. The Russian Empire does not want neighbors, but that is impossible,” Kurti emphasized.
Addressing the situation in northern Kosovo, Kurti said that five to ten years ago there was no freedom to walk freely or speak Albanian openly in the area.
According to Kurti, this reality underscores the need for greater solidarity within Europe and NATO.
“Russia wants to undermine both Europe and NATO, while China seeks to reach the power level of the United States,” he said.
Kurti warned that any actor supporting Serbia’s destabilizing efforts directly creates problems for Kosovo, stressing that Russia represents the primary external threat.
Discussing broader geopolitical changes, Kurti noted that the international environment is marked by unpredictable turbulence, adding that closer cooperation within NATO and stronger regional alliances are essential in responding to these challenges.
